The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-02-18
ACCIDENT on The RIVER.
THE STEAMER PAT MLAUGHLIN
OVERTURNS
While Assisting the Transfer Steam
err General PiersOn With the
Little Rock Train.

A singular accident occurred on the
river last night. During the high
water and swift current the trantfer
steamer General Pierson has been I'M
able to make crossings with heavy
loads, and secured ass stance from the
small sternwheel boat Pat McLaugh-
lin. While transferring the Little
Rock train about 10 o'clock last night
over the Kansas City incline the Nc
Laughlin capsized, and will prove a
total loss.
Capt. W. W. Msingault, master Of
the Pierson, related the particn ars Of
the accident ss follows:
We had Considerable difficulty in
making the Mclaughlin fast TO the
stern of the P%iersop, and were de-
layed in starting. After we got under
way it was remarked that the assisting
boat was careeniDg to a dangerous ex.
tent, but nc one thought abe would
90 over. Soon afterward, and oppo.
site Fort Pickering, the men OF board
were heard calling for assistance, and on
fastening to the stern of the PiersOn
we saw several of them clinGing to the
lines, endeavoliug to crawl aboard.
Our engines waTs reversed as quickly
as possible, but before q stop was Of
fected the Mclaughlin t)ppled ovSr,
We lowered the life boats aud rescued
five men who ware found fl laling
around, aud took two from the bottom
of the upturned hull.
The most remarkable feature Of the
accident was the escape Of the engin-
eer, Robert Fitch. When he dis
covered that his boat was going e
he ran to the rear steps. The boat
turned toward the right, and he es.
capped to the left. BY the time 1t was
completely overturned he was in a
position to Chamber onto the bottom
of the hull, and came out with his
clothes comparatively dry. The sin
gular manner Of his escape renders II
difficult to comprehend, and II | had
not witnessed il myself would not be-
lieye it BY some means the captain,
Frank Farnsley, also gained the hull,
and from there we rescued both Of
them.
As o o as the Mclaughlin careened
> over her boilers went overheard, to,
gether with everything else lying
around loose. The engines, however,
being fastened 10 the deck remained
intact. The hull, With its body plain.
ly visible above the water, iloated of
down stream and in all probability
lodged against the head Of Presidents
Island. This, of course, cannot be
, stated positively.
The Mclaughlin came up iron
: Vicksburg last Thursday. She wa
: purchased at that point by Mr.
Sweeney, who expected 10 run her a
a towboat between this city and New
Orleans. She passed south over {
, month ago with a tow Of produce
a barues, bound for Nav 0tleane, anC
q returned as far as Vicksburg, wher
I she laid up for several days before he
! purchase by Mr.. Sweeney. She wal
rather light for such heavy service ant
considered a very badly constructed
craft, being top heavy.
just prior to going over, the safety
valve Of the Mclaughlin engine wa
, blown out, and the boat was complete
:. ly enveloped in steam. This made the
, work OF retcuing the men d %lficult, and
a somewhat dangerous, bat it was finally
q accomplished, the entire crew, mum
! bering only seven, being saved in &
' damp condition. All their clothing
and effects, however, were lost.